TTC Flaming Pink vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference, and two popular options that cater to different typing styles are the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Silent Grey. The TTC Flaming Pink is renowned for its smooth, linear action that provides a responsive feel, complemented by a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a premium typing experience without excessive noise. On the other hand, Outemu Silent Grey switches offer a tactile experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, designed for users who prefer a quiet yet satisfying typing experience—perfect for office settings or late-night work sessions. While the Flaming Pink caters to those looking for speed and fluidity, the Silent Grey appeals to those who value tactile feedback and silence. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Silent Grey switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly influence their acoustic properties. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity and clarity, enabling a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material leads to a similar performance in terms of sound resonance when tapping on the switches, particularly beneficial for users who enjoy RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate adds an aesthetic appeal, allowing the illumination to shine through effectively. Consequently, both switch types will provide similar results when it comes to responsiveness and sound clarity due to their identical top housing materials.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, a material that contrasts with polycarbonate in terms of sound absorption and acoustic properties. Nylon, being a softer plastic, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively dulling higher frequencies. This characteristic leads to a more rounded bottom-out sound when a key is pressed. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the tactile feel and overall sound on actuation, the TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Silent Grey provide a more muted auditory experience compared to their top housings. Although both use nylon for their bottoms, which generates a similar low-end response, their interplay with the polycarbonate tops helps users achieve a well-rounded sound profile.
When the two housings are combined, the result is a sophisticated sound profile that merges the crispness of the polycarbonate top with the warmth of the nylon bottom. The top housing contributes to the key release sound while the bottom housing influences the keystroke impact, allowing for a balanced auditory experience. Both switches yield a harmonious blend of sound characteristics, showcasing how different materials can work in tandem to achieve specific acoustic qualities. This synergy between the polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms ensures that users of either switch will enjoy a rich typing experience, characterized by both clarity and depth.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, notable differences emerge that cater to varying user preferences. The TTC Flaming Pink features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for prolonged typing sessions due to its low resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey presents a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. Consequently, those who prioritize a lighter feel and less fatigue during extended use may gravitate toward the Flaming Pink switch, while those who enjoy a firmer keystroke may opt for the heavier Silent Grey switch. Overall, the Flaming Pink offers a more accessible typing experience, whereas the Silent Grey provides a heftier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, the Flaming Pink has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Grey features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference highlights a notable variance in user experience; those who prefer quicker response times, like gamers, may gravitate towards the Flaming Pink due to its shorter actuation distance, allowing for faster execution of commands. On the other hand, the Silent Grey’s longer travel distance could appeal to users seeking a more substantial keypress feel, providing more tactile feedback and a sense of depth with each keystroke. Therefore, choosing between these two switches ultimately hinges on personal preference regarding sensitivity and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
The Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch offers a bright yet not overly loud sound profile that strikes a balance between being satisfying without being disruptive, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing. Its bottom-out sound is notably pleasant, contributing to the overall premium typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is designed for those prioritizing quiet operation, delivering a tactile experience that remains subdued and unobtrusive. The combination of its pronounced bump and muted keystroke makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise control is paramount, such as shared workspaces.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch is characterized by its smooth and responsive actuation, providing a seamless typing experience that many find appealing for both gaming scenarios and lengthy typing sessions. It emphasizes a fluid motion that enhances performance during fast-paced activities. Conversely, the Silent Grey offers a more tactile sensation with its pronounced bump, giving users clear feedback upon actuation. This tactile quality makes it satisfying for typists who enjoy a distinct feel while still maintaining a noise profile that doesn't interrupt others.
In summary, the TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Silent Grey switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, with the Flaming Pink focusing on a satisfying yet controlled auditory experience and a smooth keystroke, while the Silent Grey prioritizes a quiet yet tactile typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more responsive and slightly audible switch or a tactile and whisper-quiet option, as both can deliver enjoyable typing experiences tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch or the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the context in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you enjoy a lighter typing experience and are looking for something that offers a smooth and responsive feel along with a satisfying yet not overly loud sound profile, the Flaming Pink switch is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for gamers and those who engage in long typing sessions as it combines comfort with performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and don’t mind a bit of added resistance in your key presses, the Silent Grey switch would be the better option, especially if you're in an environment where noise is a concern. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and muted sound profile make it ideal for office settings or shared spaces, while still delivering a satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what kind of feedback and sound you prioritize in your typing experience, along with the environments where you plan to use your keyboard.
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